SCAG Racing will bring a new look and a meaningful message to World Wide Technology Raceway this weekend as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series heads to the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals, Oct. 2-4.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SCAG Racing will debut special pink liveries across its race teams in Madison, extending a breast cancer awareness initiative that reaches beyond the racetrack through SCAG Power Equipment’s new ‘Warrior’ series of mowers. The ‘Warrior’ series gives several SCAG machines a distinctive pink makeover in support of those affected by breast cancer, with $250 from every eligible ‘Warrior’ mower sold donated to benefit breast cancer awareness, research, and innovative treatments.
SCAG Racing will carry that same message on track beginning this weekend. Fans and guests who have been affected by breast cancer will also have the opportunity to sign the race cars during the final four events of the season, creating a personal tribute to survivors, those currently battling the disease and the loved ones impacted by it.
Will Smith and the Bluebird Turf Top Fuel team arrive in St. Louis fresh off a milestone weekend at Rockingham Dragway, where Smith advanced to the semifinals for the first time in his Top Fuel career. The performance continued the progress of Smith’s rookie full-time campaign and gives the team momentum heading into the Midwest Nationals.
“Rockingham was a huge weekend for our Bluebird Turf team, and making our first semifinal gave everyone a lot of confidence in what we’re building,” said Smith. “We’re excited to take that momentum into St. Louis and keep pushing this race car forward. Just as exciting is debuting our new pink Warrior Series cars. I’m really proud to be a part of this special program that SCAG has put together with these special-edition Warrior mowers to help promote breast cancer awareness and support research. It’s a cause that means a lot to so many people, and it’s an honor for our team to help carry that message to the track. Hopefully we can put these pink cars in the winner’s circle and give everyone at SCAG, our dealers, customers and fans something to cheer about!”
For Dave Richards, the program hits especially close to home. Richards’ mother is a breast cancer survivor, giving the Bluebird Turf Funny Car driver an especially personal connection to the message his race car will carry this weekend.
“This one means a little more to me personally because my mom is a breast cancer survivor,” said Richards. “I’ve seen firsthand what that fight looks like and how much strength it takes, so I’m really proud to represent the Warrior program and everyone who has been affected by breast cancer. The pink car looks awesome, but what it stands for is obviously much bigger than racing. Hopefully we can have a great weekend in St. Louis and do something special with it on Sunday.”
For Daniel Wilkerson, the weekend carries added significance. The Illinois native will have plenty of family, friends, and long-time supporters in attendance as his SCAG Power Equipment Ford Funny Car debuts its breast cancer awareness livery.
“I can’t think of a better time and place to break through than this weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway,” said Wilkerson. “My family and a lot of friends will be here this weekend, the Wilk’s Warriors show up in droves, and we are premiering our new livery for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We all have a close friend or family member who has been touched by breast cancer, and all of SCAG Racing is proud to show support by inviting those affected to come sign our car at the last few races of the year. Can’t wait to see everybody out there!”
On the track, the Midwest Nationals marks the third of six races in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship. Justin Ashley and the SCAG Power Equipment Top Fuel team enter St. Louis looking to turn the progress they’ve made in recent events into a deep Sunday run.
“Our SCAG Power Equipment team is very much looking forward to St. Louis,” said Ashley. “It’s important for us to finish the first half of the Countdown to the Championship strong. One good race during this time of the year can make a significant difference. I’m confident we can make that happen if we stay focused on our process. We’re very capable of putting this dragster right into the winner’s circle. Things are going to start clicking soon, and the results will show it. I’m very proud of our guys and can’t wait for this weekend. We’re also proud to represent SCAG’s breast cancer awareness initiative and the new Warrior series. Breast cancer has impacted so many families, and having the opportunity to use our platform to recognize those who have fought or are currently fighting this disease makes these next few races that much more meaningful.”
Professional qualifying for the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals begins Friday at World Wide Technology Raceway with two nitro sessions scheduled for 5:30 and 8 p.m. CT. The final two qualifying sessions are scheduled for Saturday at noon and 2:30 p.m. CT. Final eliminations begin Sunday at 10 a.m. CT with Top Fuel leading the way.
Television coverage begins Friday with qualifying from 6:30-8 p.m. ET on FS1, followed by additional qualifying coverage Sunday from 11 a.m.-noon ET on FS1. Eliminations will air Sunday on FOX from either 2-4 p.m. ET or 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET, depending on the market. Check local listings for the FOX broadcast time.
This story was originally published on September 30, 2026. 
The post SCAG Racing Goes Pink For NHRA Midwest Nationals In Support Of Breast Cancer Awareness first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
